Today, I reached a milestone on the Karmann Ghia…I have everything electrical working as it should. Here is the list:
- I posted earlier that I was able to get the dome light replaced and functioning.
- I think I have removed all of the extra wiring that had been installed for things like an alarm system and radio/CD player.
- I was able to complete the trouble shooting necessary to get the emergency flashers to operate properly.
- I have fully functional turn signal switch that automatically shuts off after completing a turn.
- I have confirmed the back up lights work when in reverse.
- I have the rear window defroster functioning.
- The windshield wiper connections have been cleaned up and the mechanism lubricated.
- I have cleaned up the connections and ground for the rear lights.
- I have restored the wiring to the rear license plate housing lights.
- I have the brake system warning light working as it should.
- I have cleaned up the ground connections to improve current flow.
- I have installed the appropriate ground straps from the battery to the engine and from the engine to the frame…again, not wanting anything to slow the current.
- I even cleaned up the fuse block cover so you can actually see the fuses without removing the cover.
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| Fuse block cover cleaned up well…now I can actually see the fuses without removing the cover. |
I have made a couple of additions to the electrical system:
- Instead of using tire pressure to power the windshield washer I have installed a small pump and the necessary switch. The switch is located where the auxiliary heater switch would have gone.
- I found a USB charging port that doubles as a voltmeter and installed it in an available hole above what is now the windshield washer motor switch. I can keep track of my voltage and charge my USB compatible devices.
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| USB charging port and voltmeter. |
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| Port open to expose USB connections. |
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| When the ignition is on the volts in electrical system is displayed. |
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| A small 12V pump has been installed on the bracket that supports the stock windshield washer bottle. The pump is controlled with a switch on the dash. |
There are a couple of electrical projects that remain:
- Install radio that looks appropriate for the period but is satellite capable and can play music from a smart phone.
- Install a solenoid mechanism for the rear deck release.
